Compliance job description

Compliance with financial rules and regulations is an important responsibility of any business. Both large and small businesses often require assistance with this, meaning that the number of accounting positions in this field is increasing. Many of these positions concentrate on tax, focusing on efficient filing of taxes and carefully ensuring that firms don’t pay more than is needed
In the public sector, it is important that the government’s financial regulations are closely followed. In more senior positions, compliance specialists are also responsible for overall strategies in ensuring that the business they are representing complies with government guidelines and making any necessary changes. In order to implement any changes, those working in this role will need to nurture relationships across financial departments
Like many accounting positions, accountants working in compliance are normally expected to have completed professional qualifications under the CCAB umbrella. As such, they can expect generous salaries and benefits. Qualified professionals at entry-level should earn at least £30,000, while more senior specialists can earn up to £90,000.

Description

Compliance officers are required to work with senior management in order to ensure their company is meeting the principles and rules set by regulators. They can work for financial services organizations and other companies that are subject to external regulation. Principles mentioned before are set by regulators such as the Financial Services Authority to protect consumers and the industry. These professionals review business processes of a company to make sure they are legitimate.

Compliance officers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Investigating complaints of customers.
• Monitoring sales processes.
• Advising business on how to maintain compliance.
• Approving advertisements.
• Communicating company policies to other members of the organisation.

Skills

• Being able to work on different tasks at the same time.
• Having analytical mind.
• Being well organised.
• Having teamwork skills.
• Having good communication abilities.
• Being ethical.
• Being able to stay calm under stressful circumstances.
• Being self motivated and proactive.
• Having IT skills.
• Being positive and confident.

Education

Some companies offer training schemes for Compliance job application candidates. Many employers are open to receive applicants with any degree, but there are some cases where it is required to have specific qualifications in finance, accounting or law. Degree courses for this area require five GCSE’s (A
*-C) and two A levels. Equivalent qualifications such an Advanced Diploma in finance, business, and administration is also suitable for courses´ requirements.

There are institutions such as The International Compliance Association offering courses for this area including Diploma in Compliance, and Advanced Certificate in Compliance.